Wang, Vera (1949–)

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Wang, Vera (1949–)

Asian-American fashion designer. Born June 27, 1949, in New York, NY; dau. of Cheng Ching Wang and Florence Wu Wang (wealthy Chinese immigrants who built a pharmaceuticals company); graduate of Sarah Lawrence College; attended Sorbonne; m. Arthur Becker (investment banker); children: (adopted) Josephine and Cecilia.

At 23, became the youngest fashion editor of Vogue magazine, then worked there for 17 years; served as design director for Ralph Lauren for 2 years; having spent her early years as a competitive ice skater, began costuming top-rated figure skaters; opened her 1st store on Madison Avenue (1990); launched her signature line of wedding gowns (1993); added evening wear (1998).